"Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

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Automated Ship Assembly Lifting and Handling Calculations for Distortion Control (ShipLift)
NORAN-LAND ENGINEERING CORP. 5555 Garden Grove, Suite 300 Westminster, CA, 92683

Mr. Ray Deldin Phone: (412) 366-3575 Email: ray.deldin@neisoftware.com Website: www.neisoftware.com Command: NAVSEA Topic: N05-154

PROBLEM STATEMENT Modern shipbuilding methods commonly utilize a modular construction approach which utilizes sub-assemblies known as blocks or grand blocks and are constructed and outfitted before being assembled into a complete ship. These blocks and grand blocks are very large and unwieldy to handle as they are moved and positioned into the final assembly. We are not aware of anyone currently using finite element analysis (FEA) to minimize damage during lift and turn operations including many of the large subassemblies. As a result, resources in the form of time and materials are expended restoring the ship to a level of fit and finish acceptable to the customer. In addition to the resources expended to accomplish the rework, the schedule is adversely impacted, affecting the ability to meet delivery milestones. Safety is an issue that goes beyond the schedule and expense implications of the rework. A block picked up at the wrong locations may not be balanced and could slip or fall while in the process of being lifted to the ship. To date there has not been a tool to assist in selecting the optimum pick-up points on a plate, sub-assembly or assembly. Noran Land Engineering is developing ShipLift, an analysis, and simulation tool that will allow shipbuilders to minimize permanent deformation of components and assemblies that result from improper lifting, handling and storage solutions. In addition ShipLift will decrease engineering time associated with performing lift and handling calculations requested by the shipyard. ShipLift interfaces directly with ship design software and uses automated finite element analysis along with other calculation methods to estimate the stability, loading and deformation anticipated with a chosen set of lift points, transportation and storage methods. In summary, ShipLift provides an optimization

NORAN-LAND ENGINEERING CORP.

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"Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited."

method to minimize distortion and improve safety associated with a chosen set of lift points. WHO CAN BENEFIT? U.S. Navy shipyards, U.S. Navy contractors and the general shipbuilding market will benefit from this technology. Shipyards that already use ShipConstructor and are currently working on navy programs that can use the system to reduce costs of construction include Marinette and Bollinger on the Lockheed Martin Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) team, Austal USA on the General Dynamics LCS, Northrop Grumman Ship Building-Gulf Coast (NCGSB-GC) on the United States Coast Guards Deepwater program and LHA superstructures, and Alaska Ship and Dry Dock on the ONR E-Craft program.

BASELINE TECHNOLOGY Baseline technology includes import of Finite Element Analysis (FEA)-ready models from ShipConstructor (initial ship-design Computer Aided Design (CAD) via XML to ShipLift for calculations of stresses and distortion during the lifting process. However there is no technology or tool similar to ShipLift currently available to the shipbuilding community that enables the analysis design and simulation prior to the actual lifting. With ShipLift, initial placement of pad-eyes and/or lifting dogs can be optimized, by the user, for balance and crane capacity (what sized crane will be needed for any particular lift operation) to maximally limit part or assembly permanent deformation. The user interface has to be easy to use and easy to remember. ShipLift will include an easy set of instructions, context-sensitive help and hot-line support. ShipLift will include a wizard that will guide the lift and turn planner with a process to follow.

TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION Noran Land has developed a software simulation tool, ShipLift, which uses FEA technology for calculating deformation during lifting and handling of structural ship components. ShipLift is designed to import ShipConstructor models in an FEA-ready state so that the power of NEi Fusion can calculate lift and turn strategies with minimal modification to the ShipConstructor model. ShipLift includes a Knowledge Base capability that can include user-defined lifting and handling rules, tools and methods for reference. In addition to providing shipbuilders with software that will assist the user in determining lift points, rigging procedures and analysis of various storage and transportation methods, ShipLift will serve as a repository and data bank.

Features FEA-ready CAD export

Advantages Minimize the need to

Benefits Time

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Pre-loaded crane and Time rigging configurations Automatic positioning of No need to do trial and error Time and accuracy optimum pad-eye placement positioning

prepare CAD geometry for lifting calculations Minimize user input

CURRENT STATE OF DEVELOPMENT Noran Land Engineering has successfully accomplished the following tasks for the Phase II development.
1. Developed and codified the base ShipLift application in ShipConstructor, including user interfaces and export foundations. 2. Developed an integrated lifting lug and pad-eye function, including libraries of standard parts and lug placement techniques. 3. Developed an integrated lift point marking capability in ShipConstructor. Currently at a TRL level of 4, by the end of the Phase II and the options, the ShipLift tool will be at a TRL level 8. Noran has been working closely with ShipConstructor Software Inc (SSI) to ensure the design, interface and user needs are fully compatible with ShipConstructor. We do not anticipate that additional funding will be needed following Phase II Options since we will be very close to a commercially available release. Milestone Develop a direct interface for between ShipConstructor and ShipLift Initial Beta Testing Final Beta Testing with updates TRL Level 7 8 8 Date 4th Qtr 2009 2nd Qtr 2010 3rd Qtr 2010

REFERENCES TPOC Phone # 301-227-5033 Nassco Walter Devine San Diego, CA 619-744-1343 Patrick Roberts ShipConstructor Mobile, AL NORAN-LAND ENGINEERING CORP. Page 3 of 4

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251-340-6200

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Turning your ideas into reality with engineering software for design, analysis and simulation

Noran Land Engineering, dba NEi Software, Inc. has been in business for 19-years developing and delivering NEi Nastran and ancillary products to the structural analysis/simulation community of engineers. NEi Software has focused on maritime applications for the past 6-years and has specialized personnel to address the specific issue of the shipbuilder. 70% of our maritime revenue comes for software and services provide directly to the U.S. NAVY and their contractors. 30% is sold directly to commercial enterprises engaged in shipbuilding. Our Mission NEi Software's mission is to provide innovative engineering analysis and simulation solutions to companies that want to move to the forefront of their respective industries. NEi Software has been developing and selling engineering analysis/simulation tools to the structural engineering community for over 15 years. All of our analysis solvers are originally based on Cosmic Nastran and developed for industry use as one of three commercially available Nastran analysis tools today. A substantial portion of annual revenue is derived from sales of software and services to the maritime engineering market (shipbuilding). NEi Software re-invests a proportional amount of R & D dollars specifically for maritime applications. A partial list of our customers include: General Dynamics Shipbuilding (Nassco and Bath Iron Works), NGC Shipbuilding-Gulf Coast, NGC Electronics, Naval Surface Warfare Center (Carderock, Dahlgren, Colts Neck, Panama City), Naval Undersea Warfare Center, U.S Naval Shipyards (Norfolk, Portsmouth and Puget Sound), Raytheon, Alion Sciences, Downey Engineering, CSC Advanced Marine, Lockheed, BAE Systems and many more.

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